How to use stilts

As previously aired on thebuildshownetwork.com
All about stilts! How to adjust them, how to strap yourself in and how to walk on them safely. I am wearing DuraStilts - I still have the original pair I learned on 21 years ago. Please be safe when using Stilts - make sure you are working in a clear area, take your time and be safe!
Links to Dura-Stilts on Amazon -
Dura-Stilt 2440 Deluxe Stilts 24"-40" - amzn.to/3K4VNay
Dura-Stilt 1442 Deluxe Stilts 14"-22" - amzn.to/3M3RLS3
Dura-Stilts replacement parts
Leg Straps - amzn.to/3TYvQxy
Sole Replacement pads - amzn.to/3U04AyP
Replacement Springs - amzn.to/3ZudRjX
This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Disclaimer: Videos produced by Drywall Shorty are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this website is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. The DIY instructions used here are used to simply breakdown projects to their simplest steps. Please use a clear mind and use all safety precautions while following the tutorials provided by this site. Drywall Shorty does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site.

[@jimschultz5693]

Thank you so much for this awesome tutorial video. I just purchased a set of drywall stilts and had quite a few questions . Your video answered every one of them. You are incredible as a teacher, thanks again

[@crabblike]

After seeing you use them I got some for my remodel. Far easier than moving ladders or planks all over. I used tree spikes for a lot of years so I had no doubt but still spent some time on them before working off them. Thanks Shorty

[@ProMachinist]

I'm probably much safer using ladders and planks. However, after watching Shorty, I will at least continue trying...or falling lol.

[@ProMachinist]

Nicely done Shorty. You make it look so easy. There's always something to learn from your videos. Andy ~

[@DrywallShorty]

Thank you I appreciate it!

[@shannond2707]

Thanks for this 🙂 I hate shuffling my ladder around-especially in 9 foot plus ceilings. I got a pair of stilts that were rated well, but I just can't get the walk down... I thought the stilts were messed up (and I'd wasted money), so I'm actually glad to hear that they work fine and that my inexperience is the problem 😊

[@DrywallShorty]

You might need to make some minor adjustments on them to make them more comfortable for you too.

[@shannond2707]

@Drywall Shorty Do you think increasing spring tension might help? I have the leg brace in the correct place, and the foot plate is the right length, but they still aren't working out... I wonder if rigidity would help. Thanks again-your videos are great 👍

[@DrywallShorty]

@@shannond2707 It could for sure! What I typically do is stilts up then have my partner adjust the springs until they feel balanced and comfortable. You don't want to feel like you're tipping backwards or forwards.

[@shannond2707]

@@DrywallShorty Awesome! I think you just solved my issue 🙂 Thanks again-happy mudding!

[@TheOfficialDjProduct]

It is probably inexperience. My boss's first time on stilts were on baby stilts (like 16 inches). Said he had to hobble around and stay next to a wall. Now he walks 4 footers. I was the same way. It just takes time getting used to them. I can walk on 40" but not the most comfortable on them yet. The taller they are, the more difficult it becomes. My personal stilts, after putting them together, without adjusting the springs, I could walk on 2 footers easy. 32" easy. Add 6 inches (40" max height) and I can get around, but I have to be very conscious of how I'm walking/balancing. Hardest part for me when they're that high is strapping them on (I don't use a wall or sit on something high). Being bent over like that the stilts want to angle forward and having that much forward pull just wants to send me down. I'm also 5' 11" and weigh maybe 200 pounds, so I gotta fight gravity pretty hard. I'd say just keep walking next to a wall slowly with your hand always on it. That's how I got better, and the more you walk on them, the easier it becomes. The worst part is you should probably slowly build yourself up walking on taller and taller, but sometimes that's not possible (having to buy multiple different sizes just to get to the specific height you need). But yeah, just use the size you got, jacked all the way down, and walk next to a wall, for as long as you can, and do it as often as you can.

[@OmarClavel-en4xh]

Nice work ❤❤❤

[@jemalwright3414]

Great Video!

[@DrywallShorty]

Thanks!

[@abdallahchouireb274]

Thank you so much

[@dsdragoon]

Thank you for the info.

[@DrywallShorty]

Thank you! Appreciate it!

[@artimus1312]

Thanks gorgeous!

[@brekierbartek5294]

Sztoss Megaa♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🇵🇱

[@Jlastinger88]

Been waiting for your beautiful face to pop up 😍❤️

[@2321brendan]

Some more tips........ Watch out for blobs of mud on floor , very slippery. If you wear a hat , put it on backwards, so you see the door heads coming, almost bit my tongue off and got knocked out when I didnt see the doorhead due to baseball cap . Clean floors, clean floors,,clean floors, every little bump is magnified on stilts. Dont try to walk up steps, then when you get to to the top ,no handrail , and trip up last step. 🤣🤣 No walking on planks or up ladders, seriously , I have seen this. Dont double up or extend your stilts like I have seen some heroes doing . Stay away from the cheap stuff.

[@housepatcher8362]

Which state you work .. I believe so in California are not legal the ankos

[@darlenemcclenny3909]

I'm 5' 1" and wear a size 5 shoe. I really need to use stilts. I don't do anything higher than 8 ft. Do you have a recommendation?

[@TapelessDrywallFinishing]

👍👍

[@michaelpitts3049]

That rip in the middle easier to finish

[@garrypresley5519]

I saw you using a paper product for finishing an inside wall corner to ceiling for slick finish the angles were taped and you spread mud on all corners and folded a piece of paper and paper and put it in and wiped it down and it formed a perfect wall to ceiling slick finish ?

[@DrywallShorty]

That product is called 3Way - a.co/d/euxQaYj

[@OmarClavel-en4xh]

❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@bermanjesusavellantinoco4408]

Me puede ayudar?

[@SaucyOperator]

Looking like an AT AT.... When I started, my Dad had a guy on his crew named Ira. He had polio as a child. Walked with a bad limp, except when he was on his stilts. Could work all day like a graceful man. He actually orange peeled and did the stucco on my first home back in like 1998. I miss all those foul mouthed old bastards.

[@user-mh5qf7ky6q]

Great job, is there shipping to Iraq?

[@DrywallShorty]

I’m not sure, you could contact a online dealer and see if they ship to your area.

[@SanaUllah-gd8tg]

Hi

[@EDskywalker9966]

I am a Painter and I have a pair but after using them for 30min or so I start to get really bad lower back pain and sore feet ☹️ am I missing something it also feels like my legs are being pulled apart out ways and I don’t understand why 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@DrywallShorty]

There are adjustments you can make to them to help with the balance. There are little nobs you turn right above and below the springs. They adjust how far forward or back you tilt - I would start with minor adjustments there and see if it helps. Also have your straps just a little below your knee caps, if they are too low you won't have the right support and too high you'll not be able to walk well. I would also suggest the Velcro comfort straps, they help a lot!

[@EDskywalker9966]

@@DrywallShorty thank you so much 🙏 I will definitely take a good look at the adjustments you suggested. I’m in Australia and I haven’t been able to find Velcro straps can you suggest any brands?

[@givemethejob3293]

Great video, thanks shorty stay safe and upright

[@oussamaari0962]

👍👍👍🌹❤🇩🇿🥰

[@ShahbazKhan-de6ww]

Very good but madam where by in india 👍💞

[@mortophobegaming6454]

not having experience with this equipment, in my opinion you are standing your feet too wide because the straps pull your tibia sideways outward. this strains your knee greatly. you might not feel it but in the long run this will ruin your meniscus/knees. i like the concept though

[@michaelpitts3049]

And try not step in mud ..those concrete floors are not nice ...and in the winter time they stay cold

[@andresjr7137]

So dumb how they have the two but joint right in the middle. Easier to hide when it’s at the top

[@johnsn10]

No one is here to learn about stilts

[@crabblike]

Creepiest thing I’ve seen today.

[@HipsterDoofus100]

@@crabblike you don’t get around that much then

[@darlenemcclenny3909]

I am! 5' 1" and I'm tired of climbing up and down the ladder.

[@claytonculp4481]

Good morning beautiful aren't you tired of your husband yet? I mean you actually had to teach him how to do drywall for Christ sake!! 😂

[@wolves.]

my 4 foot level is taller than you